used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading "It was awful for that Merwell to send that letter," said Jessie.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈdenʃəl/
entrusted with private information and the confidence of another
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
DAVE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
Dave's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
gamblingnounUS /ˈɡæmbəlɪŋ/
the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
Jessie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
Jessie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
lastingadjectiveUS /ˈlæstɪŋ/
continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading "It was awful for that Merwell to send that letter," said Jessie.
lighternounUS /ˈlaɪtər/
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
Merwell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was awful for that Merwell to send that letter," said Jessie.
not able to be found
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
Oakdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
one of four equal parts
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
recurring again and again
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading "It was awful for that Merwell to send that letter," said Jessie.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading DAVE TAKES THE LAW IN HIS OWN HANDS A quarter of an hour later Dave and Jessie took a little walk up to the public park of Oakdale and, seated on a bench, they had a confidential talk lasting for some time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
at the time that
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A great many things were said which need not be repeated here.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When the talk was over Dave's heart felt lighter than it had for many weeks and Jessie's beautiful face shone with a happiness that had been missing for an equal length of time.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Of course, Dave, you can be sure I didn't believe a word of it,--about your smoking and drinking and gambling."
